Problem Solving with 8D

Making decisions and jumping to conclusions without verified observations can cause loss in revenue and extensive mistakes. The Eight Disciplines for Problem Solving, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis are related by sharing the possible causes for failure. Before an 8D is needed the FMEA (failure modes and effects analysis) is done. An FMEA is a procedure in the product development for analysis of potential failure modes within a system for classification by the severity of the failures. A successful FMEA activity helps a team to identify potential failure modes based on past experience with similar products or processes, enabling the team to design those failures out of the system with the minimum of effort and resource expenditure. This in turn reduces the development time and costs.

The Eight Disciplines are:
1. Team Approach- This is a small group of people that are established with knowledge of product, process and skill to solve the problem. This team can then implement corrective actions and there must be a team leader selected.

2. Defining the Problem- Specifying the problem internal or external in specific terms. Who, what, where, when, why, how and how many.

3. Implement and Verify Short-Term Corrective Actions- Implement actions to isolate and protect the customer from the problem until a permanent corrective action are put in place.

4. Identify and Verify Root Causes- Identify all the potential causes that could explain why the problem occurred. Each potential cause should be tested and attempt and alternative corrective action to eliminate the ground cause.
5. Choose and Verify Permanent Corrective Actions (PCAs) - Confirming that the selected corrective action will resolve the problem for the customer and not cause any other underlying issues.

6. Implement PCAs- Define and implement the PCAs.

7. Prevent Recurrence- Modify and review operation systems and management systems practices and procedures to prevent recurrence.

8. Congratulate your team- Recognize the collective efforts of the team. The organization should acknowledge and formally thank the team.